BEER ENERGY

Might be an adequate supply of energy for the Aussies but the rest of the world will have to stick with sun, wind and Starbucks.

Beer maker, scientists to create energy
Rod McGuirk, May 2, 2007 (AP via Yahoo News)

WHO
Prof. Jurg Keller, University of Queensland; beer makers Foster's Group.
click to enlarge
WHAT
Foster’s Group provided the university with a $115,000 grant to install a microbial fuel cell at a company brewery.

WHEN
The experimental technology was unveiled May 2. It is expected to be operational by September.

WHERE
The brewery housing the fuel cell is near Brisbane, state of Queensland, nation of Australia.

WHY
A fuel cell is a battery. In this experiment, bacteria consume the components of brewery waste water and generate energy, with clean water as a by-product. The bacteria release the energy as they consume the waste sugars in the water. The fuel cell is 660 gallons. It is expected to generate 2 kilowatts of power, enough for one home. The fuel cells will be installed at other Foster’s breweries.
microbial fuel cell experiment
QUOTES
- Keller: "Brewery waste water is a particularly good source because it is very biodegradable ... and is highly concentrated, which does help in improving the performance of the cell…"
- Keller: "It's not going to make an enormous amount of power — its primarily a waste water treatment that has the added benefit of creating electricity…"